The Cavalier Daily Vol. 131, Issue 7 Wednesday, November 4, 2020

EMMA KLEIN & WINSTON TANG | THE CAVALIER DAILY COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 2 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily NEWS This week in-brief CD News Staff Students, community activists discuss issues of policing, abolition at Know Your Rights event Over 40 students attended a panelist discussion with Charlottesville activists Oct. 29, the last event of a three-day series for Know Your Rights Week, which is designed to inform students about how to use their rights to fight oppression. The panel — which was organ- ized by the Black Student Alliance, Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society and undocUVA — featured local activists. Last year, Know Your Rights Week was condensed into a single day, but in a change to that formatting this year, groups spread out their events over the course of the week. Events included a “Policing and Protests 101” information session Oct. 26 and an undocUVA training Oct. 28 which discussed community issues of policing and the roles of the three CHRISTINA ANTON | THE CAVALIER DAILY organizations in their activist work. “We got a large range of people that we probably wouldn’t have gotten if we’d just done When the outcomes of both the presidential and congressional races do become clear, however, Ryan urged students to express their diverse ideas and views in a respectful manner. [the events] at one time,” said third-year student Batten student Donavon Lea, who moder- ated the panel. Issues of police misconduct and racism dominated the discussion, including the mis- labeling of incarcerated people, links between Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and local police and police abolition. Student participants posed questions about student University President Jim Ryan engagement and hope amid the current political climate. The speakers — all activists in the Charlottesville area — included former member of addresses U.Va. community on the the Charlottesville Police Civilian Review Board Don Gathers, Donna Gasapo from ICE out of CVille, Luis Oyola from the Legal Aid Justice Center, Black Lives Matter community organizer Angeline Conn and Director of Lending Hands Cherry Henley. eve of the Election Day University President Jim Ryan offered students advice and guidance in dealing with the results of Election Day in a University-wide email Nov. 2. In his email, Ryan said that it is possible that the outcome of the presidential election — and potentially several congressional races — may not be known for days or even weeks following the closure of the polls, as the Postal Service has reported delays in returning mail-in ballots in key swing states. 10.29 10.30 11.2 11.3 When the outcomes of both the presidential and congressional races do become clear, however, Ryan urged students to express their diverse ideas and views in a respectful man- ner. “The diversity of ideas and perspectives people bring to U.Va. is one of our greatest strengths,” Ryan said. “We will all be better off if we approach those conversations as op- portunities to learn from each other and resist the urge to diminish or demean people with U.Va. administration address whom we disagree.” The University established a command post Oct. 30 in order to monitor any potential threats that may result from the results of the election. In an email to The Cavalier Daily, election security, student well-being Chief of Police Timothy Longo said that students can expect to see an increase in law enforcement presence on Election Day, as is expected when “special events” are held on and and spring semester at town hall around Grounds. Ryan noted that regardless of the outcome, members of the community may choose to During an hour-long town hall for parents Oct. 30, University President Jim Ryan and engage in peaceful protests or other demonstrations. other members of administration discussed how the fall semester has progressed as well as challenges the University faces heading into the spring semester. Ryan spoke to parents about the challenges that students have faced on Grounds this semester while expressing that he was proud of how the majority of students have been U.Va. reports total of 1,115 cases responsible in trying to limit the spread of COVID-19. “Even with all of the changes, all the students I’ve spoken to are just happy to be here — happy to have the opportunity to be here and to see their friends and to participate in the life of the University,” Ryan said. of COVID-19 since Aug. 17 Ryan acknowledged that students have faced feelings of isolation and stress over the Since Aug. 17, the University’s COVID tracker has reported 1,115 positive cases of coro- course of the semester and said that the University is working to bring more students into navirus in the University community — including faculty, staff, students and contracted classrooms in the spring, although the course of the virus has a significant impact on the employees. University students make up 964 of the total positive tests. There are currently practicality of doing so. Roughly 27 percent of classes this semester are in person. 32 active cases, 14 of which are students. Ryan also talked about the University’s interaction with bars in Charlottesville and on These numbers are only reflective of students who have tested positive through the Stu- the Corner, stating that University leaders have spoken with the owners of Corner bars on dent Health & Wellness or the U.Va. Health Clinic. The University COVID tracker dash- “a number of occasions” and that the issue of potential COVID-19 spread at bars is on the board does not include the number of positive student cases that may have been detected top of many University administrators’ minds. with pre-arrival testing. “We continue to monitor and continue to point out to both local health officials and The dashboard also reports 4 percent of the student quarantine rooms to be currently the bar owners just how risky bars are just inherently, especially when people are indoors,” occupied and 1 percent of student isolation rooms to be occupied. These numbers include Ryan said. students who are in post-travel quarantine. After Ryan finished delivering his remarks, the meeting shifted to a question-and-an- swer session between parents and University leadership. NEWS Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 3 Student groups work to get out the vote Both groups have been hosting in-person and virtual GOTV events in the weeks leading up to the election

Raghda Labban & Erin Rafferty| Staff Writers

RAGHDA LABBAN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

While UDems focused campaigning efforts in VA-05, College Republicans campaigned heavily in VA-02 and VA-07.

University Democrats and text-banking voters in swing absolute worst, because I think consisted of phone banking and are at home can still phone bank. College Republicans have ramped states for the presidential elec- part of the problem last [presi- several trips to the district to “It’s really all hands on deck, up get-out-the-vote efforts in tion. dential election] is that we were knock on doors to increase vot- and the nice thing is we’re able to recent weeks in preparation Kiera Goddu, UDems pres- completely caught off guard,” ers in the race between Freitas do things like calls virtually,” Pi- for Tuesday’s general election. ident and fourth-year College Goddu said. and Spanberger. Deployments wowar said. “People can just do a Though COVID-19 has impacted student, said that coronavi- She said that University Dem- of door knockers have also cam- call night from their apartment, each group’s operations this se- rus-related restrictions have ocrats will remain a welcoming paigned for Daniel Gade, who is and I think that’s what I plan on mester, club members have been not significantly limited mem- institution for marginalized stu- running against Democrat Mark doing.” gathering outdoors in masked ber participation this semester, dents regardless of the election’s Warner for ’s open Sen- This way, students who stayed and socially distanced groups, as students staying home have outcome. ate seat this election cycle. at home for the semester or those as well as virtually over Zoom, joined virtual phone-banking “Especially because of my po- Although the University’s who are in quarantine still get to participate in campaigning and text-banking events on sition, I realize that I’m going to COVID-19 restrictions have only the benefit of increasing voter events. Zoom — ahead of the weekend have to have a brave face on no allowed for small groups to gath- turnout in some form. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, 33,095 before the election, UDems re- matter what and be there to sup- er for in-person activities and Piwowar said that he feels voters — or 16.6 percent of active ported making over 7,000 phone port our membership especially restricted travel outside of Char- that the GOTV efforts of College registered voters — have voted calls and 200,000 text messages if it doesn’t go our way,” Goddu lottesville, members of College Republicans have been worth in person in Charlottesville. An to voters. She said that the club’s said. Republicans have persisted in go- their time in highly-contested additional 10,494 people voted GOTV efforts will have impor- College Republicans have ing to VA-02 and VA-07 for door districts like VA-02 and VA-07. early in person, comprising an tant impacts on student partici- been phone banking and de- knocking. They have been trav- These parts of Virginia are toss- additional 31.7 percent of active pation in the election. ploying members to go door-to- eling in groups of five or fewer, ups with unclear polls thus far. registered voters. Mail ballots are “We’re anticipating really high door knocking to try to get out wearing masks and keeping their “It’s clear that young people not included in these counts, and student turnout,” Goddu said. the vote. Over the weekend, the distance to make sure everyone is working to get out the vote really local election officials have until With respect to in-person club had 28 members knock on comfortable. has an impact on those races in Nov. 10 to certify election results events, the University Democrats over 3,000 doors. Sean Piwowar, “It’s given us a chance to get what the outcome is going to be in Virginia. have gathered in open University a member of College Republicans close, and it’s really nice for first next week,” Piwowar said. This semester, the University spaces like the Lawn in masked and third-year College student, years who want to get involved to Piwowar said the overall goal Democrats have heavily focused and distanced groups of less than said that their goal is to maxi- feel like they’re part of a commu- of GOTV activities is to make their campaign efforts on Cam- 10. Instead of canvassing — going mize voter contacts. Members nity,” said Caleb Flowers, College sure people know their voting eron Webb, who ran on the Dem- door-to-door to speak with vot- will also be staffing the polls on Republicans member and third- rights and encourage people to ocratic ticket in VA-05 against ers — as they would in a normal Nov. 3. year College student. “It gives come out and share their voice. Republican candidate . semester, they have been com- The club has focused their ef- them that smaller group interac- “I think Tuesday is going to Additionally, they have cam- pleting literature drops, in which forts in this election on VA-02 tion, and then people outside of take a lot of heat off of our shoul- paigned for , students leave fliers for candi- and VA-07. Members participat- the small groups have been hang- ders until the [next] Virginia the Democratic incumbent run- dates on the doorsteps of voters ed in a call night for VA-02 –– ing out in their own time and elections roll around in 2021, and ning for re-election in VA-07 to limit contact. in which Republican candidate getting to see each other.” then we get busy all over again,” against Republican Nick Freitas, Goddu and other members of Scott Taylor is running to take Additionally, College Repub- Flowers said. as well as for Democratic can- University Democrats are excited back the seat from Democrat licans have been making sure that didates in competitive Senate but nervous about the upcoming –– and Taylor joined students are able to participate races in states like Maine, North election. a College Republicans Zoom call in getting out the vote from both Carolina and Arizona. They have “I would say I’m cautiously to speak last week. on and off Grounds. Calls can be also been phone-banking and optimistic but preparing for the Campaigning in VA-07 has done remotely, so students who 4 | www.cavalierdaily.com NEWS A pivotal election: Charlottesville and Albemarle voters cast ballots on Election Day

Ali Sullivan and Eva Surovell | News Editors

Senate incumbent and Democratic candidate was de- clared the winner of the Virginia Senate race immediately after the polls closed Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Voter turnout

Over 2.7 million Virginia vot- ers cast early ballots this election season, up from 574,872 in 2016. In Charlottesville and Albemarle County, 52.7 percent and 50.7 per- cent of registered voters cast their ballots ahead of the election, re- spectively. As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 53.14 percent of voters cast ballots ear- ly in Albemarle County, while 22.8 percent of eligible voters cast ballots on Election Day — about 75 percent voter turnout. In Char- lottesville, 51.9 percent of voters cast ballots early, while 16.6 per- cent of voters voted in-person on Election Day as of 4 p.m. — about 68 percent voter turnout.

Voters and campaigners discuss voting in-person on Election Day

Campaigners and election of- ficers at Venable Elementary and Slaughter Recreation Center said turnout surged when the polls first opened Tuesday at 6:00 a.m — a trend that Jamie Otey, chief elec- tion officer for Venable Elemen- tary, said is common on Election Day. SOPHIE ROESHE | THE CAVALIER DAILY Voters in the 202 precinct of Albemarle County — which en- Over 2.7 million Virginia voters cast early ballots this election season, up from 574,872 in 2016. compasses first-year dorms — cast ballots at Slaughter, while voters in the 401 precinct of the City of While some races were declared life, religious liberty and the im- surrounding Albemarle county, date Dr. Cameron Webb, a Univer- Charlottesville — which spans soon after polls closed Tuesday portance of faith and family. as well as counties from the Pied- sity graduate and current Director much of the housing on the Corner night, the results of others — such “Tonight is a victory for the mont and Blue Ridge region up to of Health Policy and Equity at the — voted at Venable. as the VA-05 congressional race conservative values that found- Fauquier County near Northern University’s School of Medicine, About a dozen campaigners at — remained up in the air until ed and sustain this nation,” Good Virginia. ran on a platform that prioritized Venable arrived with campaign Dr. Cameron Webb conceded the said. “The voters have proven that Good beat out first-term Con- healthcare and educational equity, signs and sample ballots early race to Republican candidate Bob a bright red conservative can win gressman in expanding rural broadband access, Tuesday morning to ply voters Good early Wednesday morning. by standing on principle, despite the GOP’s primary convention last maximizing clean energy and ad- with last-minute candidate infor- The Webb campaign conceded being vastly outspent from outside June. Riggleman lost the support dressing the issue of affordable mation. when the number of outstanding the district.” of many conservatives when he of- housing and long lasting effects of Third-year Law student Chance ballots was unable to make up the Registrars throughout Virginia ficiated a same-sex wedding last redlining in Charlottesville. McCraw was among those cam- difference between Webb and Re- were instructed to stop counting year. Webb supported what he paigning for Republican can- publican candidate Bob Good. ballots Tuesday night at 11 and re- Good’s platform included termed “humane” immigration didates on the ballot. The “top “While this is not the outcome sume counting on Friday. ramping up protections for law policy reform that would have cre- door-knocker, unofficially” in all of we hoped for, it has truly been an VA-05 is a historically Repub- enforcement, restricting immi- ated a clear pathway to citizenship Virginia and president of the Law honor to represent this district in lican district, having voted for a gration, growing and maintaining for newcomers to the country. Fur- Republicans, this year’s election Congress,” Webb said in a press Democratic candidate — former American jobs, supporting the ther, he supported a woman’s right is the first for which McCraw has release late Tuesday night. “This Rep. in 2008 — only Second Amendment right to bear to choose and was an advocate for campaigned. campaign has been a battle of ideas once since 2000. Still, the race was arms, increasing rural broadband increased funding for Planned Par- He said his background as a about how to best serve the people widely considered to be among the for internet access and shifting enthood and access to reproduc- first-generation high school gradu- of our district and I cannot give most competitive congressional towards greater domestic energy tive care. ate prompted him to get involved enough thanks to everyone who races in the country, and Center production. The former Campbell The also- de in the Trump campaign. made it possible.” for Politics director Larry Sabato’s County supervisor has also de- clared Democratic presidential “I want to support the person In a press release early Wednes- Crystal Ball rated the race as lean- scribed himself as “unashamedly candidate Joe Biden and vice pres- that makes it easier so more people day morning, Good said that he ing toward the GOP. 100 percent pro-life from the mo- idential candidate Kamala Harris like me can be at the law school,” thinks his win is a triumph for The 5th District includes the ment of conception.” the winners of Virginia’s 13 elector- McCraw said. biblical principles, the sanctity of City of Charlottesville and the Meanwhile Democratic candi- al votes Tuesday at 7:36 p.m., and Tuesday’s election also marked NEWS Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 5 the first time Katie, who- pre proud to be supporting or to be cently, or don’t normally vote, are don’t have to do with me, it’s just ly important, and added that they ferred not to share her last name, voting for Bob Good, I think that’s all coming.” really heart-wrenching and it kind think a Biden presidency would be got involved in campaigning, too. something that should be said.” Second-year Lila Murphy also of sucks that people don’t see that.” better than Trump for a multitude She joined other members of the College Republicans has also decided to vote in-person after Unlike other first-time vot- of reasons. C’Ville Dems Tuesday to pass out sent members to VA-02 and VA- her friends’ absentee ballots took ers, Charlottesville resident Nate “Hopefully [there will be] no Bodo’s bagels and encourage voters 07 on deployments to knock doors a “really long time” to arrive in French has voted in prior presi- more Nazis marching across our to vote for the Biden-Harris pres- in an effort to maximize voter the mail. An out-of-state student dential elections, and he walked front yard,” Wellmon said. idential ticket and for Webb at contact — something that Hunter from New York, Murphy switched over to Venable on Tuesday to vote Third-year Architecture -stu Venable. Hess, second-year College student her voter registration to Virginia for Biden. Although he’s voted in dent Sasha Paul said that she want- For Katie, this election is of piv- and campaign chair of UDems, ahead of Tuesday’s election. the past, French said that, amid the ed to vote on Election Day because otal significance. said that UDems has chosen not While New York has reliably COVID-19 pandemic, this election of the experience of voting in-per- “A lot of change needs to hap- to this election cycle so as to not turned blue in every presidential holds particular importance. son and because as an out-of-state pen right now,” Katie said. “[This “put our members or anyone else’s election since 1988, Virginia has “With everything that’s going student, it was easier. Paul stressed election] is probably more impor- health or safety at risk” during the elected democratic presidential on with coronavirus, it’s important the importance of voter participa- tant than any election that I’ve pandemic. candidates only since 2008. In to have a leader that is thoughtful tion this year. ever lived through.” Many of the students who vot- 2016, then Democratic candidate and listens to scientific evidence “Every election is important, Meanwhile at Slaughter, mem- ed in-person on Tuesday said this won the state by a and manages the crisis well as a but especially this one,” Paul said. bers of both C’ville Democrats and year’s presidential election was margin of 5.45 percent. good communicator,” French said. “We really need to have full partic- University Democrats gathered their first. Among these students “Voting in Virginia, I think, is First year College student Jon- ipation.” under tents to encourage voters was second-year College student a little bit more important than athan Short also emphasized the An out-of-state student like to “triple their vote” by texting Kaeli McGrath, who voted at Ven- voting in New York,” Murphy said. importance of leadership in this Paul, first-year College student three friends and reminding them able Elementary School Tuesday First-year College student year’s election. Ben Wiggins also chose to vote to head to the polls. In exchange afternoon. Zoe Falkson also decided to vote “It’s important that we elect in-person due because it was eas- for vote tripling, voters were giv- McGrath opted to vote in-per- in-person on Election Day because faithful leaders who represent ier in comparison to voting early. en Bodo’s Bagels — which had been son on Election Day after a bout she thought that her vote would be American values, what America Still, Wiggins said that voting this dropped off by the Biden campaign of sickness left her unable to vote more important in Virginia than was founded on,” Short said. year was of the utmost importance earlier that morning — and candy. early and in-person in October in Massachusetts, where she’s from. Chad Wellmon, principal of to him. Jackson Postal, second-year and because she “didn’t know what Falkson also said that she felt like Brown College and a professor in “There’s a lot riding on this College student and communica- was going to happen with all the choosing not to vote would be dis- the German department, brought election,” Wiggins said. “I didn’t tions chair of University Demo- mail-in ballots.” So, she donned a honoring the women before her his son Whit along to vote in-per- want to be someone who com- crats, said that he woke up at 5:30 sunflower-decorated mask and cast who didn’t have that right. son at Slaughter on election day. plained without actually trying to a.m. to paint Beta Bridge and had her vote for Biden at Venable. “This election has to do with Like French, both father and son do something about it, so I just felt been working at the polling loca- “I think this is a really pivotal people’s rights, I don’t really see it agreed that the COVID-19 pan- like it was important that I put my tion, as well as phone banking, election,” McGrath said. “I feel like as politics at this point,” Falkson demic is one of the main reasons voice into the hat.” with other UDems members since people who haven’t voted a lot re- said. “Even if a lot of those rights why voting this year was especial- 8 a.m. Postal said that the outcome of the congressional race in VA-05 between Good and Webb will be especially important for the Uni- versity community. “Bob Good has routinely prov- en that he was nominated to be the Republican running in this race because of his opposition to LGBT rights,” Postal said. “Stand- ing against him is something that for the and for Central Virginia at large, is so important.” Additionally, Postal said that he thinks this election is especially important for young people. “This election will determine the ability of our country to func- tion for young people,” Postal said. “If we have four more years of and a Republi- can-controlled Senate and a Re- publican-controlled judiciary, our country will look very different. This is a last chance to escape from the vision that Republicans have for this country.” College Republicans did not campaign at Slaughter throughout the day on Tuesday and did not respond to a request for comment. The club never endorsed Bob Good and instead chose to focus its cam- paign efforts on races in VA-02 and VA-07, a decision Postal expressed concern about. “If you’re ashamed of your par- ty’s nominee, you should have the courage to say that and that that’s why you’re not doing something,” Postal said. “This is the district where you live, this is the district where you go to school … We are ANKIT AGRAWAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY extremely proud to be voting for Campaigners and election officers at Venable Elementary and Slaughter Recreation Center said turnout surged when the polls first opened Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Cameron Webb. If you are not 6 | www.cavalierdaily.com NEWS Students face stress, uncertainty ahead of election The stakes of the election were anxiety-inducing for some

Lauren O’Neil | Staff Writer

Some students are express- ing concerns over the impacts of election season on their mental health, ability to focus in class and overall stress levels. Despite election anxiety, political organ- izations on Grounds have been particularly active this cycle, with many students volunteering for local campaigns in addition to the presidential ones. Asked what issues they be- lieve are on the line this election season, students cited COVID-19 recovery, reproductive rights, police violence, systemic racism and access to affordable, high quality healthcare. But other stu- dents — including second-year College student Molly Hayes, who worked for U.Va. alumnus Dr. Cameron Webb’s campaign in VA-05 — noted that this list doesn’t encompass the issues they feel matter. “Everything is on the line,” Hayes said. “The list does not end.” Hayes said that she thinks the EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY heightened anxiety among stu- dents is attributable to concerns Asked what issues they believe are on the line, students cited issues like COVID-19 and police brutality. about the stability of democrat- ic institutions and realizations — brought on by the federal that politics doesn’t directly af- by Election Day. Bojo said that ing plan and making sure that “UDems members have been government’s response to the fect them. COVID has abolished he now worries that because he they know what to do,” Bojo said. making calls, sending texts, reg- pandemic — about the impact that misconception.” waited to order his ballot, his Students’ election anxiety istering voters, taking students of politics and policy on their Students living on Grounds vote may not reach his home dis- over policy outcomes and uncer- to vote early and participating in everyday lives. also expressed concerns about trict in time. tainty over how to participate literature drops to get involved,” “People are beginning to real- mail-in absentee ballots reaching Despite uncertainty over ab- in these democratic processes Goddu said. “From today until ize the personal effects that pol- their home districts by Election sentee ballots being counted in is compounded by rising anxi- Election Day, we will be running icy/politicians can have on their Day. time, Bojo said that he thinks ety about a variety of national at least one if not multiple events lives — i.e., how fast the pandem- First-year Engineering stu- University students have been crises, including the COVID-19 to help get out the vote.” ic will go away/when they can re- dent Daniel Bojo said that he active this year in making plans pandemic and climate change, Chris Tomlin, president of turn back to normal,” Hayes said waited with friends to order an to vote. according to Kiera Goddu, Uni- College Republicans and fourth- in an email to The Cavalier Daily. absentee ballot due to uncertain- “This year especially, people versity Democrats president and year College student, said that “In the past, many young — of- ty about whether the University have been very intentional about fourth-year College student. he is also proud of the efforts by ten privileged — people have felt would send students home or not making sure that they have a vot- “Anxiety about the election is members to continue canvassing mixed with a lot of other forms and campaigning despite COV- of anxiety that are heightened ID-19. right now,” Goddu said. “There Tomlin said that he believes is a lot of turbulence in students’ that voters are more concerned lives because very few things are with the results of this election the same for us right now, in- season than in years past and cluding how we vote.” thinks that campaign efforts will Both Hayes and Bojo pointed continue through Election Day. to open political dialogue be- “With more than 25 people tween students, making defini- signed up to deploy to various tive voting plans and educating areas to knock doors on the last peers on how to vote by mail or Saturday before Election Day, we in person as strategies that have have far exceeded my wildest ex- helped to ease election anxiety. pectations for this year,” Tomlin Despite the stress of this year’s said. election, political organizations The stakes of this election, on Grounds like UDems and Col- while anxiety-inducing for some, lege Republicans have ramped up have also made students like Bojo campaign efforts. UDems mem- appreciate that this is the first bers have been working locally in election of many he and his peers VA-05, as well as on a variety of will be able to participate in. close Senate races and in swing “This election is a start of our states for the presidential elec- generation becoming more active EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY tion. Goddu said that she appre- and shaping the future that we The stakes of the election have also made some students appreciate that this is the first election they can vote in. ciates that members have been want as adults, that we want our particularly active this year. kids to have,” Bojo said. The Cavalier Daily Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 7 LIFE U.Va. community voices why they believe voting matters Events over the past year have demonstrated that this election could be a turning point in history

Madeline Choung, Elise Kim & Pauline Povitsky | Features Writers

2020 has been consequential, its role to serve the people it rep- to the process. Common reasons Third-year College student Sidney ing numbers are over four times to say the least. COVID-19 — a resents.” that Americans do not vote include Stephens hypothesized that the higher than in the 2016 election, once-in-a-lifetime global pandem- Some students, including indifference to the political pro- increased turnout may be due to as more than 2.7 million Virgin- ic — has had painful effects on the fourth-year Architecture student cess itself and low political effica- effects of social distancing. As peo- ians have already voted. However, economy, revealed structural issues Molly Nealon, believe that the cy — the perception that one’s vote ple are stuck at home with limited its effects are not evenly distribut- in the American healthcare system events that have culminated over does not matter and cannot impact things to do, many have chosen to ed across demographic groups, as and highlighted inequities in edu- this past year have created an im- broader government policies. The dedicate their attention to the po- mail-in voting remains inaccessible cation. Movements against systemic portant turning point in history — 2016 election appeared to highlight litical events decorating their news for certain populations. For exam- racial inequality have been reinvig- a time when one’s vote may matter this voter apathy, as only 55.7 per- screens and social media feeds. ple, mail-in ballots from voters of orated, and wildfires have demon- more than ever. Additionally, the cent of the U.S. voting age popula- “I think a lot of people are in- color have been disproportionately strated the dangers posed by cli- drastically different visions pro- tion cast ballots. But Politics Assoc. tellectually bored this year, espe- flagged for rejection, which is not mate change. All of these variables vided by former Vice President Joe Prof. Justin Kirkland argues that, cially because we have been void a new problem and has continued and more have been recognized by Biden and President Donald Trump actually, there is little evidence to of a lot of social interaction,” Ste- this election season. voters across the country as threats demonstrate the significance of this back up the claim that “my vote phens said. “We’re kind of looking Moving forward, professors at to the unity of American democra- the University encourage students cy. In the midst of this political and to participate to increase young social turmoil, students and faculty voter turnout rates, which are members have shared their outlook historically lower than other age on what voting means to them and groups. According to work on vot- why it matters, especially for this er turnout rates by John Holbein, Election Day. Frank Batten School of Leadership According to Sidney Michael and Public Policy assistant profes- Milkis, White Burkett Miller pro- sor, researchers have found that fessor in the Department of Poli- young voters know just as much tics and senior fellow at the Miller about politics as older voters do, Center, voting at the polls is a civic but restrict themselves because they duty for Americans and an election believe that they lack confidence to represents “the soul of the country.” participate in politics. This belief in civic responsibility is “We need to do a better job at what has been driving him to the educating young voters about … polls to cast his ballot. their capability of voting, Kirkland “I like to go to the polls,” Milkis said. “That they’re perfectly capable said. “I like to soak it in because I in participating in politics but they think voting is an important part think that they’re not. They believe of being a citizen in the country … themselves to be under qualified [and] an important part of our civic to vote, so they don’t show up to culture. We’re such an individualis- vote even though they know just as tic society that one of the few com- much about politics as the people munal activities we have is voting.” who are voting.” Third-year College student Emi- According to Stephens, democ- ly Moosher echoed this sentiment, racy requires full participation in adding that voting allows people to order to be effective. With that be- have their voices heard. ing said, University professors and “I think what drove me [to the students stress the importance of polls] — aside from it being the participation in the political pro- first presidential election I could MADELINE CHOUNG | THE CAVALIER DAILY cess and the difference a vote can vote in — was just experiencing the make when a community contrib- University professors and students stress the importance of participation in the political process and the difference a vote can make when a last four years and knowing that I community contributes together. utes together. Despite all of the so- would have the chance and oppor- cial and political divisiveness lead- tunity to have my voice heard and ing up to the election, Milkis shares have influence in the next four a reminder of unity and what it years,” Moosher said. election’s outcome to the future di- doesn’t matter.” for something to channel our brain means to be as American. Additionally, students like rection of the U.S. “We just don’t have a lot of ev- power to, and being informed on “I believe what makes the coun- fourth-year College student Marjan “America, and the rest of the idence that individual votes don’t the candidates and the hot topics try special — what America is at its Saud have identified the impor- world frankly, is at a turning point, matter,” Kirkland said. “There’s lots that have kind of been something best — is this never ending pursuit tance of utilizing political advocacy and this election is providing us an of evidence that individual votes to look to. I think living in a pan- of a more perfect union,” Milkis to keep politicians accountable for opportunity to say in which direc- don’t switch elections ... but [votes] demic and witnessing the events said. “A union not made up of peo- the resolutions they have promised. tion we want to move forward,” universally send signals to candi- and the ongoing events of the BLM ple of the same color or born in the “People have to hold politicians Nealon said. “As we have been con- dates about whether their country [movement], we want better, so same place, but all deriving a sense accountable for their actions be- tinuously reminded over the past wants more liberal or conservative we’re being driven to vote because of America from this basic under- cause they unfortunately cannot few months of the issues we face policy, whether we want the Re- that’s kind of one of the easiest ave- standing of the individual pursuit always be trusted in properly repre- surrounding social justice, health publicans to have greater power or nues that constituents have to have of happiness. Americans have dif- senting their constituents or pass- care and climate change, this elec- whether we want the Democrats to a voice in government.” ferent views on what that means ing necessary policies,” Saud said. tion will have lasting impacts on have greater power.” Particularly, due to COVID-19, and we’ve fought over different “It is the responsibility of the gov- the world.” Despite this trend of voter Americans are increasingly choos- views of what that means and it’s ernment to take care of its citizens, While these students and facul- apathy, news media sources like ing to vote via mail rather than in changed overtime. But to me, that’s but accountability must be placed ty emphasize that voting is a dem- CNN are predicting a possible person as a safe and contact-free what really … it is to be what is an at the forefront of concerns over ocratic privilege and right, many record-breaking voter turnout voting method. In fact, according American.” the success of that government and Americans have become resigned this 2020 presidential election. to NBC12, Virginia absentee vot- 8 | www.cavalierdaily.com LIFE Navigating anxiety during an unprecedented election How voting, leaning on others and holding onto hope helped me cope with election anxiety

Yasmin Teixeira | Life Columnist

I know I’m not the only one of Americans say that the elec- strengthens our community be- I’m actively serving as a voice It’s comforting to know that who has lost sleep over the 2020 tion is a significant source of cause we are taking a collective of opposition in an attempt to I am not alone. There have been election. The past few weeks stress, up from 52 percent during action to produce our desired re- dismantle all the discriminatory lighthearted moments. My room- have been stressful, and I think the 2016 election cycle. sult and give us a say in matters systems he has fostered. mates and I have projected the it’s safe to say that this election debates onto the wall in our has made many people feel vul- apartment. We laugh at the bla- nerable. tantly ridiculous statements that Quite frankly, I’m scared. the candidates have made, their I’m scared for the outcome, and facial expressions and petty ban- while I want to be hopeful, it ter — mostly in awe that this is, seems to be an anxiety-arousing in fact, our reality. We’ve used kind of hope. We cannot say with our sense of humor as a way to certainty that presidential candi- cope. date Joe Biden will win this elec- Another reassuring aspect has tion, so in the event of another been the widespread calls to vote four years with incumbent pres- made by young voters in particu- ident Donald Trump, we need to lar. It’s encouraging to see people be prepared. offer resources, education and The lives of many are up in support on social media during the air. The reality is this election this time. It’s evident that many will have major consequences on people feel this sense of urgency everyone’s lives. In the midst of and are aware that this is not the ongoing conversations about sys- time to be complacent. temic racism and injustice, cli- My friends and I were wit- mate instability and a pandemic, nesses to one another’s mail-in proper leadership is crucial. Plus, ballots, and we cheered each with the recent appointment of other on as we dropped them in Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the mailboxes. This shared connec- Supreme Court, the futures of tion is notable. It’s comforting reproductive rights and same-sex to know that there are so many marriage are also uncertain. other people out there who are Many political and social is- in a similar position and who are sues I hold dearly are being held experiencing the same joys and in contention. How does one rec- fears. oncile this? How does one cope Without this acknowledge- with the consequential fear and ment, the situation seems bleak. dread? There’s a seemingly countless The stress crosses party lines number of issues in contention as the future of this country wor- this election, but one of the ries 77 percent of American, with biggest issues I see this election two-thirds of Biden supporters concerns simply that of human and one-third of Trump sup- rights. It’s upsetting and frustrat- porters saying they are nervous ing — understandably so — when about the country’s future. The you feel like your core tenets and political climate is tense, and values are up for debate. it’s a high-stakes election. Un- Although cliche and even derstandably, no one wants their EMMA HITCHCOCK | THE CAVALIER DAILY sometimes dangerous, holding desired candidate to lose — per- onto hope can be beneficial. sonally, I don’t want to see Biden Hope presents itself as one of the lose. While the nature of this elec- that are important to us. Because Another point of stress was few certainties here. We can hold While a common experience, tion doesn’t allow us to evade our of that, each of us has a responsi- out-of-state voting. I sent my onto hope — hope for a desired election anxiety is not often fear, there are ways to mitigate it bility to vote. ballot several days in advance, outcome, hope for a better future talked about. For some, this anxi- that I have found helpful — pri- This is the first major election but I was still concerned that it and minimize this election anxie- ety can manifest as being nervous marily through voting and lean- that I voted in, and as a woman wouldn’t arrive in time. Thank- ty together. when you receive an election-re- ing on others for support. and person of color, it was em- fully my ballot did arrive in lated news notification on your This year, there has been an powering to vote. It’s no secret time, but the U.S. Postal Service phone or being scared you didn’t outcry of requests for Americans that Trump is, in fact, racist and is overworked with such a high fill out your absentee ballot cor- to exercise our right to vote. Vot- sexist, among other things. Vot- influx of mail-in ballots, and this rectly. In 2020, nearly 70 percent ing provides us with agency and ing against him made me feel like presents an issue for many.

MAKE SURE TO KEEP UP WITH WEBSITE – www.cavalierdaily.com – @cavalierdaily THE CAVALIER DAILY – The Cavalier Daily FOR POST-ELECTION COVERAGE INSTAGRAM – @cavalierdaily LIFE Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 9 Top 10 ways to stay stress-free, informed after this election Political stress may be indefinite, so adopt practices now that will keep you feeling less anxious

Madison Workman | Top 10 Writer 8. Focus on the issues at hand 1. Research information on your rather than the scandals own Establish a news routine As human beings, we tend to get tied up in political When it comes to debriefing after an election, one of 5. scandals or negative news stories that circulate about the most important ways to reduce the stress you may We are all very busy — whether it be with school, political leaders. In order to diminish some of the be feeling is to research information on your own, form jobs, sports, extracurricular activities or clubs — stress that these stories can arouse, it is important for your own opinions and don’t let other outside opinions and it may feel overwhelming to engage with the us to focus on the actual issues at hand rather than influence or shape yours. When we get too caught up in news every day. That said, it’s still vital to remain the scandalous stories that focus on the elected can- others’ opinions, we often limit ourselves from the wide informed. I suggest that you incorporate a news didate’s personal life, instead of their plans of how to scope of information that is available to us. We think, routine into your schedule that also sets limits. For run the country. When reading up on news stories that “Well because my best friend thinks that way or because example, make it a priority that every morning you spread about the elected candidate, try to remember my parents told me this, they must be right.” The fact read over the latest headlines in the news for 15 that there are multiple sides to every story and the is, there is no “right” or “wrong,” and others’ opinions minutes or subscribe to a news channel that sends news we come into contact with does not always accu- don’t always align with our own views and values. Being you a daily recap of news stories via email. This will rately depict the candidate’s personal life. able to construct our own personal opinions is one of make it significantly easier to stay informed while our fundamental rights as citizens — so do your own eliminating stress. research. Look into the elected president’s policies, open your perspectives and establish your opinion based on 9. Learn to talk to people you dis- the information you collect. agree with politically Limit unhealthy political dis- Regardless of your political standing, it is important 6. to facilitate constructive discussion with those you Go directly to the source cussion disagree with politically. When we start to guide con- 2. servations about this sensitive topic in a more posi- After the election, when you stumble upon political While it can be informative and valuable to have tive, useful direction, it becomes clear that this can actors’, celebrities’ or other people’s posts who have a political discussions and listen to others’ opinions, help us to reduce the political stress that often stems large pull in the public media sphere, make sure you ad- especially when their views contrast with your own, from unhealthy discussions with people whom we dis- ditionally go directly to the source. While we may feel it can also be difficult and stress-invoking to openly agree with. Finding common ground is one tool that inclined to trust a politician or celebrity who we are a relay your beliefs and opinions to someone who is I have found particularly useful in guiding a political fan of, they may not always be correct in their dissem- attacking you or undermining your perspectives and conversation in a more positive direction. Instead of ination of information about the elected candidate. Be thoughts. If you find yourself in a situation when reacting strongly to others’ opinions, try to find a top- sure to validate the information by visiting the elected others are getting inflamed over politics, whether it ic on which you share the same viewpoint and agree candidate’s website, reviewing their social media pages be in a large group or in a one-on-one discussion, in order to facilitate more productive conversations and checking news stories from sources you trust in or- simply leave the room or politely tell the other per- that incorporate healthy sharing of opinions and ac- der to avoid being swayed by misinformation. son you do not want to broach the subject any fur- ther. tive listening. 3. Fact check what you read, watch 10. Don’t let your frustration get or listen to 7. Find news sources you trust the best of you While the internet is an incredible tool and resource, Even now that voting is over, it is still just as impor- Whether or not your preferred candidate is elected, it it can sometimes misguide us and place information tant to turn to credible news sources that you trust is important to not let your frustration get the best of in front of us that reinforces our preexisting political in order to establish a political environment that you. It is valid to feel frustrated if the elected candi- beliefs. Every time we click, watch, browse or share is informative. No matter your political affiliation, date does not support matters that you feel strongly something, search engines and social media platforms there are plenty of sources that report trustworthy passionate about, considering our political beliefs are take note of this and use algorithms to create a person- and accurate information. Finding news sources a larger part of our identities. Although, in order to alization of information that caters towards what we that report objectively is necessary to help dimin- control this frustration it is important to find alter- ‘like,’ or rather, what the internet thinks we like. Author ish the stress that stems from reviewing conflicting, native ways to get involved and support matters that Eli Pariser refers to this as a “filter bubble” — “personal unreliable and false information. If you are ques- you feel strongly about, especially if they are not sig- ecosystems of information which fundamentally alter tioning the reliability of your news sources, research nificantly represented in the elected candidate’s pol- the way we encounter ideas and information.” Before them to discover how reputable and trustworthy icy goals. For example, if you feel strongly about gun accepting things at face value, such as news articles or they are. This will help you to determine whether control or climate change, find ways to get involved social media posts, be sure to conduct some further re- the source is accurate or whether it is known for by joining a lobbying organization or promoting ways search and review information and don’t be afraid to distributing biased news. to help the environment to people in your commu- look at the topic from different perspectives. nity.

4. Take a break from social media Chances are, most of you have some sort of social media account, whether it be Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or TikTok. Social media can be madly addict- ing, and it isn’t always the best thing for our mental health. Likely every time you accessed social media in the past couple of months, your feed has been filled with information that can be hateful, upsetting and rumor-ridden. It can be stressful scrolling through im- mense amounts of social media posts filled with contro- versy, disputes and conflicting conversations. After the election, this political uproar will only continue. Re- mind yourself to take a break from social media every once in a while and focus on information from sources

that don’t bring you this type of stress and anxiety. EMMA HITCHCOCK | THE CAVALIER DAILY 10 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily ELECTION 2020 Election Summary CD News Staff Presidential: Electoral College *Data as of 2 A.M. EST 225 100 213 Joseph R. Biden Jr. | Democrat Remaining Republican | Donald J. Trump 66,049,505 votes (49.8%) 270 To Win 64,415,232 votes (48.5%) Presidential: Virginia Percent Votes Joseph R. Biden Jr. | Democrat 52% 2,320,050

Donald J. Trump | Republican 46% 1,780,582 2% 58,409 Other Candidates 82% reported Senate: Virginia Percent Votes Mark Warner | Democrat 54% 2,064,233

Daniel Gade | Republican 46% 1,752,516 81% reported House: Virginia-05 Percent Votes Cameron Webb | Democrat 47% 182,983

Bob Good | Republican 53% 202,355 >99% reported Albemarle Turnout Charlottesville Turnout

% voting early 24.1% % voting early 31.5% % voting in-person % voting in-person 53.1% (Election Day) 51.9% (Election Day) % not voting % not voting 22.8% 16.6%

Sources: Virginia Public Access Project, Albemarle County, Charlottesville City Elections Offices, ELECTION 2020 Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 11

ANKIT AGRAWAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY First-time voters were enthusiastic about voting in-person, while other students emphasized the importance of voting in such an important election.

EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY ANKIT AGRAWAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY

The race in VA-05 was considered to be one of the most competitive races in VA-05 is a historically Republican district, having voted for a Democratic candidate — former Rep. Tom Perriello in 2008 — only once since 2000. the country this year.

CYRENA MATINGOU | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Democratic candidate Dr. Cameron Webb conceded the race to Republican candidate Bob Good late Tuesday night.

EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Campaigners and election officers said that turnout surged early in the morning after polls opened. Both University Democrats and College Republicans have been working to get out the vote this week. 12 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily OPINION LEAD EDITORIAL You deserve a voice in this election With countless instances of voter suppression this election, fight to make sure your vote was counted

With the results of the election the Trump administration wants pandemic because we’re unsure our year. In exactly none — zero — are color. It is essential to let our courts unknown as of Tuesday night, it is you to believe it is. In fact, incident vote will be counted otherwise. We they trying to make it easier for and administration know that we likely that election-related litiga- rates for voter fraud are extremely deserve to know that our ballots citizens to vote. In many, they are need every vote to be counted. Our tion could decide the legitimacy of low, between 0.0003 percent and count and that our voices matter in seeking to erect barriers.” This is voices are the most impactful as a millions of ballots. Both Republi- 0.0025 percent, according to the this election and every election. unacceptable — it is time to fight collective — speak up. cans and Democrats have already Brennan Center for Justice at New Right now, it is reasonable that to ensure this suppression does not Even in races where the election made it clear that they are lawyered York University. However, because we’re all anxious — this is a histor- continue. is not a close call, the American up — and this is already one of the Trump has pushed these ideas for ic moment for our country. Even During the heavily contested electorate deserves the reassur- most litigated elections in U.S. his- months, many of his supporters see though get-out-the-vote campaigns Bush-Gore election in 2000, the ance that our votes will always be tory. Therefore, it is absolutely vital this as a legitimate issue. For this have been monumentally successful Brooks Brothers Riot served as an counted. We are ashamed to live that voters throughout the coun- reason, we’ve seen efforts in - nu and access to voting has expanded abhorrent halt to a necessary demo- in a country where the incumbent try fight to make sure their vote merous states to strip thousands of immensely through early and mail- cratic process, but it also showed us president is misleading the public is counted and that their voice is their right to vote, largely based on in voting, so many of us still have the power that the public voice can so that the votes of marginalized heard in this historic election. false narratives. anxieties about the legitimacy of have in influencing political -out people will not be counted. We are President Donald Trump’s claim As such, we could see a wave of our votes. Political initiatives aimed comes. Just as the Brooks Brothers worried that a country with such that mail-in ballots could be “ma- lawsuits challenging absentee and at stripping Americans of their fun- Riot stopped the manual recount an intense and violent history of nipulated” should scare you. Don’t mail-in votes. Hundreds of lawsuits damental right to vote have only of votes in some counties in Florida suppressing the votes and voices worry — your ballot was likely not have already been filed and we very increased. When we cannot expect during the 2000 election, protests of people of color is attempting to manipulated. Instead, the Trump well could see more in the coming our government to support voting in the aftermath of our current continue this disgusting tradition. administration’s rhetoric and days. in its expanded capacity, we must election must push for votes to be This clearly isn’t right. fear-mongering about voter fraud For the members of our Edi- begin to make sure the courts and counted. This decision may not rest Your vote and your voice de- has created a distrust in our voting torial Board, this is the first pres- our representatives understand solely with judges or political op- serve to make a difference. Shout it system. Trump even tweeted mis- idential election in which we were one of our most basic rights — we eratives — public calls for vote re- from the rooftops until you know it leading information early Wednes- eligible to vote. For us as young vot- have the right to vote and that vote counts can make a huge difference. was heard. day morning about voting rights ers — and for future voters every- should count. Scream from the steps of the after polls close — claiming that where — how are we expected to Voter suppression has been a courts deciding if your vote counts THE CAVALIER DAILY EDITO- Democrats are trying to “STEAL have faith in a democracy where the clear and critical issue in this elec- — you have a right to have your RIAL BOARD is composed of the the Election.” In an election as legitimacy of our ballots is ques- tion. One Republican lawyer even voice heard. Even if you know your Executive Editor, the Editor-in-Chief, monumental as this one, the voter tioned? We shouldn’t have to be wrote that “the Trump campaign vote was counted, you should still the two Opinion Editors, their Senior fraud conspiracy is dangerous and nervous that our absentee ballots and Republican entities engaged be outraged — the thousands of bal- Associate and an Opinion Columnist. borderline dictatorial. won’t be counted. We shouldn’t feel in more than 40 voting and ballot lots that could be thrown out dis- The board can be reached at eb@cav- Voter fraud is not the issue that the need to vote in person during a court cases around the country this proportionately represent voters of alierdaily.com.

THE CAVALIER DAILY THE CAVALIER DAILY MANAGING BOARD News Editors Production Editors Editor-in-Chief Ali Sullivan Ethan Fingerhut The Cavalier Daily is a financially and editorially independent news organization Nik Popli Eva Surovell Noah Holloway staffed and managed entirely by students of the University of Virginia. Managing Editor (SA) Zach Rosenthal Flora Kim The opinions expressed in The Cavalier Daily are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration of the University of Virginia. Unsigned editorials represent Jenn Brice Sports Editors Graphics Editors the majority opinion of the editorial board. Cartoons and columns represent the views Executive Editor Vignesh Mulay Angela Chen of the authors. The managing board of The Cavalier Daily has sole authority over and Victoria McKelvey Akhil Rekulapelli Emma Hitchcock responsibility for all content. No part of The Cavalier Daily or The Cavalier Daily online edition may be reproduced Operations Manager (SA) Caroline Lund Photography Editors in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the editor-in-chief. Ankit Agrawal Life Editors Ariana Gueranmayeh The Cavalier Daily is published Thursdays in print and daily online at cavalierdaily. Chief Financial Officer Pauline Povitsky Emma Klein com. It is printed on at least 40 percent recycled paper. 2020 The Cavalier Daily Inc. Malcolm Mashig Elise Kim (SA) Tapley Borucke HAVE AN OPINION? Arts & Entertainment Editors (SA) Khuyen Dinh EDITORIAL BOARD Robin Schwartzkopf (SA) Sophie Roehse The Cavalier Daily welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns. Writers must Victoria McKelvey Caitlin Woodford Video Editor provide full name, telephone number and University affiliation, if appropriate. Letters Nik Popli (SA) Anna Miller Max Patten should not exceed 250 words in length and columns should not exceed 700. The Cavalier Daily does not guarantee publication of submissions and may edit all material for content Zack Pasciak Health & Science Editors Social Media Managers and grammar. Submit to [email protected] or P.O. Box 400703, Charlottesville, Hailey Yowell Callie Freeman Darryle Aldridge VA 22904-4703 Neil Kothari Lucie Rutherford Peyton Guthrie Noah Strike Magazine Editor Translation Editors QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Jacquelyn Kim Maria Aguilar JUNIOR BOARD Opinion Editors Lily Lin To better serve readers, The Cavalier Daily has a public editor to respond to questions and concerns regarding its practices. The public editor writes a column published every Assistant Managing Editors Zack Pasciak (SA) Aldo Barriente week on the opinion pages based on reader feedback and his independent observations. He Carolyn Lane Hailey Yowell (SA) Xi Chen also welcomes queries pertaining to journalism and the newspaper industry in general. The Abby Sacks (SA) Neil Kothari (SA) Ziqin Lin public editor is available at [email protected]. (SA) Hanna Preston Humor Editor Finance Manager (SA) Ellie Prober Eshaan Sarup Victoria Li (SA) Joitree Alam Cartoon Editor Advertising Manager FOLLOW US @CAVALIERDAILY (SA) Nicole Freeman Audrey Lewis Katrina Yankovich (SA) Isabel Barney WWW.CAVALIERDAILY.COM OPINION Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 13 U.Va. cannot afford four more years of Donald Trump The University community has experienced first-hand the impact of Trump’s divisive rhetoric and abysmal leadership

hree years ago, in a moment and unmistakable air horn blast by Heyer, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and and attended by white supremacists White House and have ceased to cap- Tthat will forever be seared into a president who has, from the very Trooper Berke M. M. Bates — lost and in no way was affiliated with oth- ture the same disgust and horror that the collective consciousness of our moment he announced his candidacy, their lives. White supremacists like er groups like the Monument Fund, they rightly deserve. community — and by extension the fanned the flames of hate and division. Richard Spencer and Jason Kessler — which have argued that the statue Perhaps this is what is most fright- nation itself — scores of white suprem- For our community, these remarks who terrorized our community — are should be preserved for historical rea- ening about the prospect of another acists and neo-Nazis marched through carry an especially profound mean- the antithesis of “very fine people” and sons. To make matters worse, the pres- four years of this administration. We Grounds carrying tiki torches. These ing, as the painful memory of Aug. 11 should be regarded as nothing short of ident has lacked the decency to even as a country have gradually become individuals desecrated the very space and 12, 2017 has yet to fade and still the pure embodiment of evil itself. visit the community in the wake of the numb to the horrors that have oc- that we call home with their racist remains viscerally present. Trump’s Trump has still refused to apolo- violence or provide at least some sem- curred — horrors that have taken and antisemetic bile — rhetoric that equivocation was more than a damn- gize for these remarks along with those blance of sympathy and support. place with increased frequency. is strikingly reminiscent of what was ing soundbite — it was an outright he made in the immediate aftermath It should come as no surprise that Charlottesville is more than just a heard at the height of Jim Crow and in buzzword, just as the Lawn is so much Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The more than a backdrop in a campaign hate in their eyes and veins bulging ad. Those who were attacked by men from their necks were not shrouded in “Charlottesville is more than just a political buzzword, just as the Lawn is so much wielding torches were more than just white robes. Instead they were plainly more than a backdrop in a campaign ad.” figures on a screen — they were mem- visible. Indeed, the sheer audacity and bers of our very own community. The callousness of their actions seemingly destruction this administration has underscored the empowerment which inflicted on the very fabric of our de- these white supremacist groups felt in denial of the unspeakable horror that of the violence, in which he stated in white supremacists and neo-Nazis mocracy should be felt by every mem- the wake of President Donald Trump’s our community experienced firsthand. equally abhorrent terms that there have not only embraced the President ber of this community — students, electoral victory ten months earlier. The very idea that someone would was an “egregious display of hatred, but have also felt emboldened by ac- faculty, staff and alumni alike. While At a time when any other leader label white supremacists and coun- bigotry and violence on many sides.” tions in the aftermath of the events of there undoubtedly remains more — Democrat or Republican — would ter-protestors alike as being “very fine Actually, the president has actually Aug. 11 and 12, 2017. Indeed, during the work that needs to be done, we cannot have strived to bring the country to- people” is both morally repugnant doubled down on his earlier remarks, first presidential debate several weeks forget the incredible damage which gether in a moment of national unity and unfathomable. Before the entire describing them as “perfectly” deliv- ago, when asked to condemn groups the Trump presidency has caused here, and reflection, the president instead world, these men chanted slogans like ered. He claimed that he was actually like the Proud Boys, President Trump especially when at the ballot box this remarked that there were “some very “Jews will not replace us” and “white alluding to those exclusively in favor refused to do so and instead called November. fine people on both sides.” To charac- lives matter” while brandishing tiki of preserving the Robert E. Lee statue upon them to “stand back and stand terize these comments as a dog whistle torches, swastikas and semi-automatic in Market Square. However, this claim by.” Over the past four years, divisive THOMAS DRISCOLL is an Opinion would be an understatement, to say rifles. In the carnage that ensued the is undermined by the very fact that and thinly veiled comments like this Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can the least. Rather, they were an overt following day, three people — Heather the rally itself was explicitly organized have become commonplace at the be reached at [email protected].

Your voice exists beyond your vote The actions we follow up our vote with often speak louder and firmer

ou’ve voted. Maybe on Elec- tion on chokeholds — people pro- ism and imperialism that remains nority-owned small businesses by voice, we must also recognize times Ytion Day, maybe a month testing did, prior to and after Floyd’s in the veins of so many Americans purchasing their products in order when it is simply not our time to ago. You’re eagerly awaiting election unjust death. today. Toussaint L’ouverture led the to counter capitalism’s prioritiza- speak. If you are a man who feels the results with fear, with excitement or In June, I attended Chesapeake, revolution in Haiti that rejected tion of the richest, most privileged need to constantly interject himself with hope. You feel as though you’ve Va.’s largest protest against racial in- French domination over the colony, Americans. We must protest racial, on matters of women’s issues, hold carried out your civic duty by vot- justice this year, which saw around thus prompting the creation of a free sexual, ethnic and gender injustice. your tongue. If you are a straight ing, so often deemed an essential pil- 500 marchers shut down one of my nation. The very event that -estab We must find the strength to ignore person who critiques queerness, just lar of civic participation. hometown’s main roads. As hun- lished the American notion of “We people who assert that brick walls stop. Your voice should not limit the While voting is undoubtedly dreds of people, including Black the People” was one not of idleness and glass storefronts are more valu- free speech of people who actually important, let’s take a moment to leaders from local churches, gath- — the American Revolution was a able than human lives. live the lives you try to impose your- recognize that voting is not the end. ered in front of city hall, protestors firm stance against British injustice, We must use our voices in ways self on. Being a real ally means that It’s not the solution to a problem, far outnumbered the local and state albeit a stance that favored equality that are both firm and understand- you utilize your voice to promote but merely a recommendation on officials that came to speak. Though for only a few. The point remains, ing. We can and should use social the rights of others, not that you use who you think will best solve those your voice to drown theirs out. Sim- problems. Someone votes for Vice ply put — respect others. President Joe Biden because his and Whoever takes the White House Sen. Kamala Harris’s plan to ban will never be stronger than our col- chokeholds appeals to their want “Noise generates the change that will never happen in a courtroom or oval office.” lective body. A representative de- for justice in the policing system. mocracy provides us the illusion that Another person votes for Donald our strength exists only through our Trump because he supports the use vote. But that’s just not true. Our of chokeholds. And yet — despite strength lies in our hearts and our Biden’s eight-year vice presidency they voiced support, it was blatantly though. Action drives conversation, media as a means of spreading and brains, in our lives and our beliefs, in and Trump’s almost four years thus evident that the power of America and conversation drives change. commenting on current events. We our love and our hope for a brighter far in the White House — George does not lie in those we elect. When As important as voting is, we should speak up in our classes when future. We are complex beings — es- Floyd died from a chokehold. we speak out and pool together, must follow up our ballot with our these matters arise. Next time you tablishments are simply contrary to Who we elect to national, state we make noise. Noise generates the voice and our actions. We must do- read a racist, classist or sexist author our nature. Don’t let anyone reduce and local offices, indeed, have a change that will never happen in a nate to organizations protecting and in a class, don’t accept their prej- your complexity to those few sec- great deal of power. However, our courtroom or oval office. defending our freedoms and our udice as a sign of the times — call onds spent at the ballot box. individual voices — not reproduced Throughout history, long-lasting health — organizations like Planned these prejudices out, whether they through a representative but actual- change only came about through Parenthood, the Human Rights come from writers, professors or ly embodied in the day-to-day lives collective statements made by the Campaign, the Hispanic Heritage fellow students. Right here at The of people who live in the United people. The 1917 Bolshevik -Revo Foundation, the National Indig- Cavalier Daily, you can submit guest States — matter most. But our vote lution in Russia, led by Vladimir enous Women’s Resource Center, pieces that address your concerns to BRYCE WYLES is a Viewpoint Writ- does not equate our action. Politics Lenin, produced the visualized the Black Career Women’s Network readers.rs er for The Cavalier Daily. He can be didn’t prompt a national conversa- Marxist statement against capital- and more. We must support mi- While considering the use of our reached at [email protected]. 14 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily HUMOR School is fake Do you guys remember what and we rarely walk on Grounds sors have no clue what their stu- stop whining about school and per? Forgot to take a quiz? Oh a normal Monday-to-Friday used anymore. The way I describe it dents are doing. They could be embrace the new freedoms you wait, don’t panic. Just log into to look like? Classes used to con- makes it sound depressing, but I scrolling through TikTok, fixing have. I’m not saying you need to your SIS account, check a few sume our entire day. We woke don’t see it that way. It seems to themselves a snack, making calls, fully zone out and bomb your boxes and make all of your trou- up earlier, picked out outfits, me that classes used to consume watching Netflix or just wander- classes, but take a load off! Let’s bles fade blissfully away. So, stop packed our backpacks — remem- our days, but now they are just ing aimlessly around their room. not forget about another fantas- it with the worrying and chill ber those? — and we would ac- little computer appointments I myself am guilty of losing focus, tic, beautiful, amazing gift that out for a second! Shut off that tually WALK all day from class that we can log onto anywhere. as I’m sure everyone else is. the University has given us. No, computer, make plans with your to class. We’d bump into people Wanna sit on your porch? Bring This is not to mention the I’m not talking about the Uni- friends and have some fun. we knew, waving and stopping your computer outside. Would fact that our exams and quizzes versity’s decision to increase the for a chat. Our professors were you rather lay in bed? Go right are now online and many are number of people we can hang more than a figure on a laptop ahead. I cannot even count the also open-note. Because of this, out with from five to 10 — I’m screen. Our classmates were our number of times I’ve seen people we spend less time studying, less talking about our fantabulous peers, study partners and even sprawled on their beds taking time stressing over exams and credit/no-credit option. friends. Maybe we skipped over class in their pajamas. more time doing other things. If you’re still taking some hard to the Corner for lunch or met The most amusing feature For the most part, we don’t even classes and want to embrace the some friends at one of the dining on Zoom is the “stop video” fea- go to libraries anymore. There whole “school is fake” thing that halls. My point is, our days were ture. I feel for the professors are fewer study groups and study I’m trying to sell you on, or if all about our classes. who have to lecture to a class of guides, and as a result, there’s you’re feeling extra stress from TESS TOLAND is a Humor col- These days are quite the op- black screens. Once that video is way more time to chill out and that thing we call COVID-19, umnist for The Cavalier Daily. posite. There are no outfits to stopped and the mute button is relax. Not too shabby, eh? there are solutions right in front She can be reached at humor@ choose, no backpacks to pack on, all bets are off — our profes- So, now for some advice — of you. Did you get a C on a pa- cavalierdaily.com. CARTOON Election night

Alyce Yang | Cartoonist The Cavalier Daily Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 15 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The voice of a movement How protest music this year has contributed to a longstanding tradition of expression

Sydney Seligman | Staff Writer

On June 6, thousands of pro- “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” the country. Criticisms of Nixon’s genre has not dwindled. Stream- forming the song went viral. testers stood on 16th Street in — featuring the famous protest presidency intensified during the ing services like Spotify created Regardless of the outcome of Washington, D.C. with yellow songs “Blowin’ in the Wind” and Watergate scandal in the 70s, and 2020 protest music playlists to the election, the issues of system- scuff marks on the bottom of “Masters of War” — and his 1964 artists — like Stevie Wonder with maximize streams. Some of the atic racism and police brutality at their shoes from the newly com- album “The Times They Are “You Haven’t Done Nothing” — featured songs include “I Can’t the forefront of the protest music missioned mural spelling “Black A-Changin’.” Acclaimed sing- used their platforms to protest Breathe” by H.E.R. and “The Big- scene will still require more ac- Lives Matter” under their feet. er songwriter Sam Cooke heard the state of the government. ger Picture” by Lil Baby. tion. The pain, bruises and scars Kendrick Lamar’s song “Alright” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which “Any time that there is a mass The advent of social media in- from a history of inequality and blared from the speakers as the inspired his own expressive free- political movement like we have creased the ways in which these unjust violence will not disappear crowd chanted along with the dom, manifesting itself in the seen in the last several years — songs can be popularized. A few this week. Protests were already chorus, “We gon’ be alright.” form of another timeless protest which I would say has certain- months ago, “This is America” being scheduled in anticipation This unifying phrase has echoed song, “A Change is Gonna Come.” ly intensified over the last four by Childish Gambino trended on of the wake of the 2020 election. through the streets of countless 1968 — which has been com- years — there’s going to be a TikTok as users stood in solidar- The beauty of protest music cities during Black Lives Matter pared to 2020 in several accounts soundtrack to that,” Hamilton ity with the Black Lives Matter is how it adapts to the times and protests since the release of the by historians and writers — was said. movement. Social media has made characterizes the time period in song in 2015. Although demon- a year of political and social tur- The soundtrack of protest forms of protest more accessible which it is created. The music strators have added “Alright” to moil. From the assassinations of music today is predominantly than ever. This is demonstrated industry will continue to reflect the canon of protest music, Lamar civil rights leader Martin Luther hip-hop — the dominant genre in its ability to reach a younger the reactions of the public in the did not intend for his song to gal- King Jr. and U.S. Senator Rob- in popular music over the last audience — which is powerful following months. Once again, vanize the nation into action. ert Kennedy while troops fought few decades. The genre has a because children act as moral “the times they are a-changin’,” “It’s not like he deliberately overseas in the widely contested rich history of politics and pro- symbols in movements against but there is hope that it’s going wrote the song with an eye to- Vietnam War to the presidential test with hip-hop groups N.W.A. violence. Twelve-year-old sing- to be alright. wards thinking it would become election of Richard Nixon during and Public Enemy in the 80s and er Keedron Bryant released his the song of this movement,” the outbreak of the H3N2 virus, 90s, and the commercial viability single “I JUST WANNA LIVE” said Jack Hamilton, an associate there was widespread dissent in of protest music in the hip-hop in June after a video of him per- professor of media studies and American studies and Slate pop critic. “The movement itself has done this.” Protest music transcends genre and has no defined audi- ble characteristics. Rather, what characterizes a song as a piece of protest music is the relation- ship between audience and artist. Lamar’s lyrical commentary on the perpetuation of injustice and racism in the country became the anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement because supporters needed to hear that everything would be okay. Artists are inherently reactive to the stimulus around them, so when the country goes through a period of notable change, they create art. American songwriter and poet Abel Meeropol wrote “Strange Fruit” — nominated for Time Magazine’s Song of the Century in 1999 — in 1937 after he saw a photograph of a lynch- ing of two Black men in Indiana. Jazz Singer Billie Holiday record- ed her rendition of the song with Commodore Records in 1939 af- ter her label, Columbia Records, denied her recording request. She released the record during the height of the anti-lynching move- ment. Prior to the release, protest music had not been commercially viable, nor had a star of her stat- ure made such powerful political statements through their music. Amidst the burgeoning Civ- il Rights Movement, folk artist COURTESY WILLIAM P. GOTTLIEB Bob Dylan paved cultural space Billie Holiday recorded her rendition of “Strange Fruit” with Commodore Records after her label, Columbia Records, denied her recording request. for protest with his 1963 album 16 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily HEALTH & SCIENCE Scientific literacy of utmost importance for elections With issues like climate change, masks and vaccines on the ballot, professors emphasize scientific literacy in voter education

Lucie Rutherford | Health & Science Editor

memorizing facts,” Johnson said. tions were readily available. “What is far more important is “What scares me about sci- understanding how science pro- entific literacy is I feel like we’re ceeds, what counts as evidence being even less open about those and how we establish degrees of things this year,” Kucenas said. confidence in a claim.” “There’s not a one-stop shop like When it comes to becoming there has been in the past to help scientifically literate, Kucenas voters collect that information stresses that the first thing peo- in a really streamlined way.” ple need to understand is that Despite the policalization they have the tools and autono- that has been brought to many my to do so. The biggest hurdle science issues, Johnson says that is realizing that everyone has the at its core, science is apolitical. ability to educate themselves. “It is a search for truth and In comparison to past elec- understanding,” Johnson said. tions, Kucenas points out that “I hope that we can all agree on there is a scarcity in websites that wanting to know what is true.” voters can use to understand the stances of political candidates regarding science issues. Reflect- ing on the 2016 presidential race between then-candidate Donald Trump and Secretary Hillary Clinton, Kucenas says candidate answers to STEM-related ques- ADVERTISEMENT

EMMA HITCHCOCK | THE CAVALIER DAILY

In America today, 39 per- knowledge, but rather are gen- is so easily accessible, Kucenas cent of Americans are classified eral concepts that the average explains that it is very easy for a as having high science knowl- American should understand in person to get the entirety of their edge, 32 percent are classified as order to make autonomous deci- information from a single source, having medium-level scientific sions about their lives. making them easy to manipulate. knowledge and 29 percent with For Kucenas, science literacy “If you only get your informa- low scientific knowledge. These is the ability to gather informa- tion from Facebook, you become statistics come from a national- tion, from sources like Facebook very quickly controlled by their ly representative science survey or the news, do homework on algorithms,” Kucenas said. “That from the Pew Research Center, that information and then decide … takes away the ability of an in- a nonprofit, nonpartisan fact to agree or disagree. dependent, autonomous human tank and one of the U.S.’s most “I think what the American to make a decision.” trusted public polling centers. people need to do in an election Astronomy Prof. Kelsey John- The questionnaire is made up of is be able to make a decision for son also sees science literacy as a 11 basic science questions, such as themselves … then vote in a way fundamental component in life the cause of Earth’s seasons, what that you feel mirrors those truths and a foundation for society. is considered a fossil fuel and that you decided to gather and “If people don’t understand the steps present in the scientif- that are important to you,” Kuce- basic principles in science, they ic process. Those who qualified nas said. are fundamentally disenfran- as highly scientifically literate Looking back on the history chised in the modern world,” answered between nine and 11 of science literacy, Kucenas says Johnson said in an email to The questions correctly, medium-lev- this time period is experiencing Cavalier Daily. el literates answered five to eight the biggest pushback against sci- Johnson describes science questions correctly and low liter- ence that America has ever seen. literacy as a weapon against con- acy was classified as zero to four “We have people now trying firmation bias — or the tenden- correct answers. to deny these emergent truths, cy for an individual to see new In the 2020 election cycle, these things that science has been evidence simply as confirmation multiple science topics — in- working towards for decades,” of one’s existing beliefs and the- cluding climate change, vaccine Kucenas said. ories — which Johnson feels is at research and mask-wearing — Kucenas cites the current U.S. the root of many societal issues. have been heavily politicized. presidential administration’s Without an understanding of According to Biology Prof. Sa- skepticism of climate change as empirical inquiry, she says, socie- rah Kucenas, these topics do not an example of this pushback. ty is left in the dark. necessitate complex scientific In a world where information “Science literacy is not about HEALTH & SCIENCE Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 17 Pollsters work to increase accuracy after 2016 election Learning where 2016 polls went wrong is important for analyzing 2020 projections

Shakti Kasirajan | Staff Writer

With hundreds of polls online Martinet said. “It can get really predicting election outcomes, it complex, which is why weighting is is important to look into how important, because as you go down election polls work to understand to the sample level, you have to how to interpret them for the 2020 weight back up every level that you presidential election. Research sample.” has helped identify where the 2016 There are an abundance of election polls went short, including factors that pollsters weight for the underweighting of location and when calculating polls. According education, so pollsters hopefully to Politics Assist. Prof. Alex Welch, can deliver more accurate polls this racial demographics, education year. and gender are three factors that President Donald Trump was are particularly important when announced as the winner in the 2016 weighting to ensure that all parts presidential election despite many of the population are accurately polls indicating that Democratic accounted for. presidential candidate Hillary However, certain factors, Clinton would win, increasing including education and location, public scrutiny about the accuracy played a greater role in contributing of election polls. Looking into how to election results in the 2016 election election polls work can help us than in other years. According to understand where the 2016 election Martinet, pollsters did not account polls fell short and what we can for these factors enough and are expect from the 2020 election polls. trying to give more importance to “An Evaluation of 2016 Election this year. Polls in the U.S.” by the American In an effort to make a more Association for Public Opinion accurate model, graduate Data Research reveals that national Science students Matthew Thomas, polls were actually fairly accurate Chad Sopata, Ben Rogers and in 2016, only overestimating Spencer Marusco have created their Clinton’s lead over Trump by one own forecasting model for the 2020 percentage point in the popular election. When asked about the 2016 vote. The popular vote relates to the election, Thomas and Sopata agree number of voters cast nationwide with Martinet that education and for a candidate, regardless of how location weren’t weighted enough. their vote relates to the Electoral However, Thomas brought to light College — which is composed of 538 another problem that contributed

electors representing all 50 states to the inaccuracy of the 2016 election EMMA HITCHCOCK | THE CAVALIER DAILY and Washington, D.C. and officially polls — in 2016, 20 percent of voters elects the president. were undecided before Election Day. However, it was at the state “If someone was trying to predict This is what the data science team Martinet. this year, which is a promising sign. level — especially in Pennsylvania, the election, what they would believes makes it's forecasting model “So another thing that may have Additionally, Thomas described Michigan and Wisconsin — where typically do is ignore the undecided unique from most other models that happened in the 2016 election is how the polls have been pretty polling fell short, according to voters, or they might assume it splits forecast on the national level. that voters for a certain candidate stable this year compared to the politics Prof. Paul Freedman. roughly 50-50,” Thomas said. “But, Although pollsters are generally weren't truthful with the pollsters,” previous presidential election, in “The polls miscalculated … in what ended up happening is that … learning from the 2016 polling Martinet said. which the polls were unsteady and part because they failed to give a huge majority of those undecided mistakes, it can be difficult to With the complex nature of susceptible to weekly changes based enough weight statistically to — voters went to Trump.” predict how accurate the 2020 polling, how then do we interpret on the news. in particular — white voters from This is another problem to keep election polls will turn out to be. the 2020 election polls? Freedman “Some news would come out, rural areas without college degrees,” in mind when evaluating 2020 One common polling myth explained that it is important to [and] Clinton support would go up,” Freedman said. election polls as a significantly is that they will be completely understand that polls will never be Thomas said. “Something else would Weighting — a polling technique smaller portion of the electorate is accurate. According to Welch, perfectly accurate because they are come out, [and] her support would used to adjust how much weight undecided heading into Election Day statistical uncertainty and margin of measures of public opinion, which go down.” a polled individual’s vote has to — only 3 percent were undecided a error, measurements of how unsure inherently change day-to-day. His Sopata uses his own forecast more properly align the sample week from the election as compared statisticians are about the data, must advice for readers is to not just look model to support the stability of group’s demographic breakdown to 11 percent at the same time in be taken into account. at one poll, but rather an aggregate polls this year. with the demographic breakdown of 2016. “People don’t seem to understand of polls, which can be seen on “Once we started adding the population they're sampling — is an One more thing we can learn statistical uncertainty and margin of FiveThirtyEight or The New York polling data in, even if it was 50 important aspect of election polling from the 2016 election when looking error,” Welch said. “Those kinds of Times. days out, we didn't see much change because polls collect data from at polls this year is the importance issues that make it so that polls are “One of the reasons that we in our outcomes moving up to this samples of the population, which of state election polls. According to not going to get it completely 100 like aggregation is that some polls week before the election,” Sopata may not be perfectly representative Freedman, at the end of the day, it’s percent on the number.” are better than others [and] some said. “I think in a typical election of the population they’re polling. the electoral vote — the vote cast by While 2020 polling has aimed to pollsters are better than others,” cycle, we would have seen quite a Statistics Assist. Prof. Gretchen a state’s Electoral College members fix several of its errors from 2016, Freedman said. bit of up and down with our own Martinet describes sampling in — that matters rather than the Martinet points to response bias Welch also recommends looking predictions.” many polls. popular vote, which is why state- and leading questions as two sources for polls associated with colleges A weighted average poll made “With election polls … most of level polling is so important. of error that still might prevail in including Quinnipiac University by FiveThirtyEight.com currently the reputable ones are going to take “[As part of the forecasting the election polls this year. Leading and Franklin and Marshall College. predicts Biden leading with 51.8 a sample covering someone from all model], we looked at state data questions are when the questions Although it may be difficult percent of votes. However, it is likely 50 states, and so they would then do going back to 1990 to get an idea of, asked in polls are phrased in a way to predict exactly how accurate that the world will have to wait until something like stratified sampling, fundamentally, where each state was to lead respondents toward one the polls this year will be, pollsters after Election Day to truly see how but then within the strata, they sitting three or four or five months answer. Response bias is when have been able to identify some accurate 2020’s polls were. may do other forms of sampling,” out from the election,” Sopata said. the person does not answer the problems from the 2016 election questions truthfully, according to that they are taking into account 18 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily SPORTS Jocelyn Willoughby makes impact as WNBA rookie Willoughby competed in her first season in the WNBA amid the pandemic and used her platform as a professional athlete to influence change

Rachel Lisner | Feature Writer

Former Virginia guard Jocelyn and earning five starts in her 22 Willoughby left Virginia as one of games played. Additionally, Wil- the most highly decorated wom- loughby recorded a season-high en’s basketball players in recent 21 points against the Los Angeles program history. After averaging Sparks Sept. 9 and shot a team- 19.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per best 40.5 percent from three- game her senior season and earn- point line during the season. ing numerous honors for both “She’s everything you really athletic and academic excellence want in a teammate,” said Sab- — including winning the 2019-20 rina Ionescu, New York Liber- Kay Yow Award and being named ty guard and 2020 No. 1 overall to the All-ACC first team — Wil- draft pick, to The Next. “She’s loughby was selected 10th overall very supportive, always listen- in the WNBA draft. In her first ing. Works very, very hard and is season in the WNBA, she has al- very talented on both sides of the ready begun making a name for floor, offense and defense.” herself through actions both on Hard work and coachability and off the court. are certainly strong suits of Wil- After initially being drafted loughby. She constantly works to to the Phoenix Mercury, Wil- improve her game, day in and day loughby was traded to the New out. York Liberty, a team with seven “Anything we ask of her, she total rookies — the most in the does, and even if it’s a little thing league. This certainly presented that I might have mentioned in a challenge for the Liberty, but a side conversation under my

Willoughby felt well-prepared breath, it’s like the next day I see EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY for this unique situation, as she Jocelyn doing it,” Liberty Coach likens it to her experience during Walt Hopkins said to The Next. This past season, Jocelyn Willoughby and the other WNBA players wore Breonna Taylor’s name on the back of their jerseys. her senior year at Virginia. Growth is a constant goal of “The majority of the team my Willoughby’s. With the conclu- senior year, or fourth year, was sion of the 2020 WNBA season, and killed by plainclothes police I think I’ve always been inclined er, Willoughby and the women freshmen, or first years, and so Willoughby is setting her sights officers who had executed a no- and invested in these issues, but of the WNBA were still able to just having that perspective of on overseas play, as she plans to knock warrant in her apartment it’s been more intentional in how make the most of it and leave what it takes to bring the better play in Israel for Hapoel Petah on March 13, and partnered with I’m sharing information, in how their mark on the world. players and young players to- Tikva with the aim of further the Say Her Name campaign, I’m informing [people] and just “The experience has been re- gether to create a program and developing her game during her which aims to spread awareness mobilizing around what’s going ally inspiring,” Willoughby said. unit that’s competitive, I think WNBA offseason. about the Black women and girls on in our world right now.” “It’s been really unique just to that was definitely very helpful “I am definitely looking for- who have been victims of racist Another focus of the WNBA be in a situation where literally for me,” Willoughby said. ward to just growing in the ar- police violence and provide sup- this past season has been on en- a whole league is committed to Even in normal years, without eas that I started to grow in the port to their families. couraging its fans to register to doing the work ... I think that the reduced number of practices WNBA season and just expand- This past season, Willough- vote. One of the ways the league level of investment’s been really and condensed schedule caused ing my game and continuing to by and the other WNBA play- promoted this was through Unite inspiring and just gives hope for by the COVID-19 pandemic, the build,” Willoughby said. “I think ers wore Breonna Taylor’s name the Vote — an initiative where the future.” transition to the WNBA can be that’s what it’s all about — show- on the back of their jerseys, not nine WNBA teams, including the What the former Frank Bat- a tough adjustment for rookies. ing growth, showing improve- only to honor her memory, but to Liberty, provided personalized ten School of Leadership and However, Willoughby once again ment, because that’s what gives spread awareness about the injus- voter registration information, Public Policy student accom- points to her time as a Cavalier as you an opportunity to keep play- tice of her death. Educating and accessible to fans in any location plishes off the court is of utmost being beneficial in preparing her ing.” spreading awareness have been and competed to register the importance to her, so as she sets for the change and enabling her Looking towards her next the focus of much of the WNBA’s most new voters. her sights on the future, her goals to face the challenges presented WNBA season, Willoughby has a initiatives this past season. Several WNBA players have extend beyond the game of bas- by being on one of the youngest clear focus. She hopes to be more Over the course of the year, also teamed up with the NBA ketball. teams in the league. consistent in her second year in through the Social Justice Coun- as ambassadors for the Hoopers “To continue impacting the “I had a lot of that experience the league and become even more cil of the WNBA, players hosted Vote campaign and posted imag- world beyond sports, giving back at U.Va., being in different types of an impact player for the Lib- virtual discussions and podcasts es and messages on social media to the community — that’s one of games — games where you erty. And as a young but talent- on social media platforms to have encouraging fans to register to thing I’m really excited about,” start off with a lead and then the ed team, New York shows plenty conversations on issues regarding vote and providing them with in- Willoughby said. lead slips away and you have to of potential to develop over the race and inequality. formation on how to do so. The year 2020 has certain- fight your way back, games where next few years, and Willoughby is Willoughby, who was voted Willoughby has been very ly had its ups and downs, but you’re down and you’re fighting poised to earn a role as an impact New York’s player representative active on her own social media through the adversity, Willough- your way back,” Willoughby said. player on the team. to the Women’s National Basket- accounts, posting videos and im- by has remained earnest in her “[There were] just so many dif- But the 2020 WNBA season ball Players Association, has tak- ages encouraging her followers commitments to basketball and ferent circumstances that I found was about more than just basket- en to heart the importance of her to vote and engage in matters of social justice. Through it all, she’s myself in, whether it was in prac- ball for Willoughby. The players, role in initiating change. social justice. made quite the impact this past tice or in games, [that] I think coaches, sponsors and affiliates “For me, it’s been about be- It was certainly an unusual season, and she hopes to contin- definitely prepared me.” of the league have all played a ing intentional and authentic in season for the WNBA players ue to accomplish even greater Willoughby was able to make part in speaking out on issues of what I’m saying when it comes who competed while inside a feats in each of her endeavors. a notable impact on her team, social justice. The WNBA ded- to issues of social justice,” Wil- “bubble” at the IMG Academy averaging 5.7 points and 2.4 re- icated the season to Breonna loughby said. “Not that this is a in Bradenton, Fla. because of the bounds in 17.4 minutes per game Taylor, an EMT who was shot new awakening for me, because COVID-19 pandemic. Howev- SPORTS Wednesday, November 4, 2020 | 19 Former U.Va. athletes speak up on politics and social justice Sports and politics have always been intertwined and former Virginia athletes have been deeply involved in this synthesis

Jacob Tisdale | Columnist

From the Black Lives Matter Malcolm Brogdon Justice where she aims to promote movement to kneeling during the na- While the former Cavalier guard strategies such as increasing access and tional anthem to protests over the gen- and 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year representation for underrepresented der wage gap, it’d be easy to label this award winner has made a name for minorities in the SEC. era as a time when sports and politics himself as one of Virginia’s best bas- are more interwoven than ever. This ketball players, Malcolm Brogdon has Becky Sauerbrunn theory is supported by players, teams also been busy off the court. The -At Instrumental to the recent string and now even the president rejecting lanta native has focused on tackling a of success that the U.S. Women’s Na- ceremonial White House trips, con- variety of issues, including water inse- tional Team has experienced, former troversy regarding players and owners curity in East Africa and the struggles Virginia center back Sauerbrunn has commenting on foreign affairs, and Black Americans face today. In 2018, been equally instrumental in the fight teams choosing to stage walkouts dur- Brogdon founded Hoops2o and is an for equal pay and unionization that ing important games. However, it is an active supporter of Hoops4Humani- women’s soccer players have brought idea that Bonnie Hagerman, assistant ty, organizations which work to build to light. She has also stood in soli- professor of women, gender and sex- water wells in Tanzania. darity with the Muslim community uality, rejects. Brogdon also took an important and supported her teammate Megan “This is not a moment in time stand regarding protests taking place Rapinoe as the US Women’s Nation- without a historical context,” Hager- in the United States following the al Team criticized President Trump. man said. “There is a historical - con death of George Floyd, speaking at Sauerbrunn told to the Guardian in text for athletes using their platform several demonstrations that followed. 2019 she would not attend a White in various different ways to promote “This is a moment,” Brogdon said House visit after the USMNT won the COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA social justice.” at a rally in Atlanta. “We have leverage World Cup. Rather than identifying the state right now … We gotta keep pushing In 2017, Sauerbrunn and her team- In 2017, former Virginia football star Chris Long donated his NFL game checks to educational of sports today as an individual mo- forward.” mates negotiated a collective bargain- institutions, promoting learning accessibility and opportunity for children that may not ment of protest and dissatisfaction, Following the NBA restart in the ing agreement that improved pay for otherwise receive it. she instead views it as the continua- bubble, Brogdon chose the phrase “I its players, in some cases by as much tion of a long standing tradition of can’t breathe” to embellish the back as 30 percent. While it did not guar- More recently, Doolittle has been promoting learning accessibility and sports acting as a mirror of the issues of his jersey in order to bring more at- antee equal pay with the men’s team, it open in his criticism of President opportunity for children that may not that a society faces at a given point in tention to the issue of police brutality. was a huge step towards more fair and Donald Trump, even rejecting the otherwise receive it. This was in part a time. She cites Jackie Robinson, Mu- In an interview with The Undefeated, equitable payment for female athletes White House invitation that followed response to the “Unite the Right” rally hammad Ali, Tommie Smith and John Brogdon’s views on his role as an ath- competing in the United States. That his 2019 World Series championship, and the controversy surrounding it in Carlos as precursors to the outspoken lete and activist were neatly summa- same year, she lobbied the state of Or- citing his mockery of the disabled and the Charlottesville area. athletes we are familiar with today like rized. egon to pass an equal pay bill, making his own support of LGBTQ+ rights. “Educational opportunity and eq- Colin Kaepernick and Lebron James. “Basketball is my job — I love it,” her position clear to the legislature as “I used to care a lot about what uity are the best gateway to a better Though an athlete’s engagement in he said. “It’s the dream. But honestly, pay equity was debated. other people thought, like team- tomorrow for everyone in America,” fields beyond athletics can often be my life passion is not basketball. It’s “The issue is not just about money mates,” Doolittle said in a 2018 inter- Long said on his foundation’s website. controversial, Hagerman believes the helping people and using my resources either — it is about our basic treat- view with . “But Like Doolittle, Long is active on line between sports and political issues that I have gotten from basketball [to ment as players compared to our male then, I feel like in this atmosphere, and Twitter and is open in his criticism of to be not just blurred, but nonexistent. do so].” counterparts,” Sauerbrunn said. “From in general, if people can tell that you’re Trump. After he won his second Super “A lot of people would like to keep the type of field we lay on to the way being genuine — if this is something Bowl, he declined the White House sport and politics separate,” Hager- Dawn Staley we travel, there are big differences be- you really care about, if this is some- invitation extended to him, citing the man said. “There’s just no way you can Along with being a Women’s Bas- tween genders in spite of our shared thing you know a lot about — people President’s comments about the Char- do that. Sport is a reflection of society. ketball Hall of Fame player and coach, employer and shared profession.” will respect that.” lottesville rallies as one of the reasons There’s no getting around the fact … an Olympic gold medalist and a dis- in which he remarked that there were you can’t separate the two. It’s going to tinguished Virginia women’s basket- Sean Doolittle Chris Long “very fine people on both sides.” Long reflect the inequities [and] the inequal- ball guard, Dawn Staley has commit- Former Cavalier and current Na- It would be negligent to discuss was unequivocal in his stance and ities [and] not just in terms of race, but ted herself to promoting diversity and tionals reliever Sean Doolittle is not- Virginia Athletics alumni and activ- emphasized this in an interview with in terms of gender and sexuality, issues equity. Over the summer, she spoke at ed for his outspoken nature as well ism without mentioning Long. The CNN, stating that the decision was of ability and economy.” a protest against racial injustice and as his career accomplishments which former Rams, Patriots and Eagles beyond political preference. Hagerman views the ability of police brutality in South Carolina. include a 2019 World Series ring. A defensive end, two-time Super Bowl “For me, it’s not just about pol- players with large platforms to speak “My heart told me to speak out,” vocal supporter of veterans, Doolittle champion and 2019 NFL Man of the itics,” Long said. “To me, it’s about out as a “privilege” and spoke of the Staley said. “My heart feels for George participates in the Nationals’ Salute Year supports a host of causes and the doing the right thing. It’s not about Virginia men’s basketball team kneel- Floyd and his family and all the deaths to Service project, engaging with sur- Chris Long Foundation has no short- choosing sides or anything. It’s simply ing in 2016 as just another in the long that happened in our country. It leaves viving family members of American age of initiatives. One such initiative about right and wrong.” list of examples of athletes using their us answerless. I just felt like I’ve got to troops before games at Nationals Park. is the Grub4Good fund that benefits These athletes, along with many platforms to promote ideals they be- get up and do something.” He is also a supporter of Operation the Charlottesville community by other Virginia Athletics alumni, per- lieve in. She made special note of the Staley’s activism on social media Finally Home, which builds and fur- providing for free meals as well sup- petuate and continue the history of coaches’ and administration’s support and across the internet has also in- nishes housing for wounded soldiers porting and supplementing lost rev- using sports as a platform to lift up of the demonstration. creased since the incident. She is vocal once they return home from duty. He enue to local restaurants during the viewpoints or causes that are topical “The tact we need to take at U.Va. on Twitter and recently wrote an essay has taken to Twitter on a number of COVID-19 pandemic. Long is also the and important in society. We have is to support those student-athletes for The Player’s Tribune titled “Black occasions to make his stances clear on architect behind the Waterboys initi- already seen a new generation of stu- that are interested in using their plat- People Are Tired”. In the essay, she ex- a variety of issues, including LGBTQ+ ative, the foundation which inspired dent athletes discovering their voices form to draw attention to important presses the frustration and exhaustion inclusivity, Syrian refugee aid and the Brogdon’s work, as both organizations as activists at the University such as issues,” Hagerman said. people of color experience having to rejection of the white supremacist strive to raise funds and awareness to- football’s Groundskeepers Initiative or Perhaps because of the support watch what seems like endless instanc- views on display at the “Unite The wards clean water in East Africa. Like the Barnett twins and their Instagram they received at the University, or es of injustice without reform. Right” rally in Charlottesville on Aug. Doolittle, Long supports veterans and account, @athletes4blm. simply because their convictions are “People are mad because NOTH- 11 and 12, 2017. their families by making donations to “This idea of a long history of activ- strong, Virginia Athletics alumni have ING HAS CHANGED,” Staley wrote. “People say, ‘If we don’t give them Homes For Our Troops and Merging ism, of sports men and women using made their voices heard on an assort- “If you don’t like something, if you attention, they’ll go away,’” Doolittle Vets and Players as well as hosting their platforms to talk about social ment of pressing topics. don’t like the laws that we have to live tweeted in August of 2017 in a thread events for those that served our coun- justice issues is really important,” Hag- by, you gotta get out and VOTE.” regarding the rally. “Maybe. But if we try. erman said. She is now a member of the SEC don’t condemn this evil, it might con- In 2017, Long donated his game Council on Racial Equity and Social tinue to spread.” checks to educational institutions, 20 | www.cavalierdaily.com ADVERTISEMENT

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